As a native Idahoan, there is no doubt in my mind: Former Idaho governor and now Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne is purely and simply a foot soldier, a lackey for the money boys (HCN, 6/12/06: Interior’s new secretary — general or foot soldier?). On his watch, the quality of life in Idaho seriously deteriorated. I see the same thing, but even more extreme, for the public lands. A leader needs to have vision, courage, compassion, honor and integrity. Kempthorne has none of those qualities. Then again, neither does Bush.
Bill Chisholm
Buhl, Idaho
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Kempthorne: foot soldier.
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